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Last week's The Mail on Sunday published an article which included claims about the fire safety and alarm systems in place at Parnham House, a quantity of valuables which allegedly found after the fire and CCTV footage which is being examined by the police.

On Friday (June 30) Dorset Police refused to confirm or deny any of the specific claims made by the news outlet, simply saying its investigation is ongoing and it was awaiting "confirmation" of details about Mr Treichl's death.

Parnham House near Beaminster was destroyed by fire in April

A spokesman said: "Dorset Police is aware of recent media reports about a death abroad in relation to Parnham House.

"We are awaiting formal confirmation of the details, which may take some time.

"Once this has been received, officers will look into whether the investigation will be affected."

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed The Mail on Sunday 's claim that the alarm had been raised by a milkman at 4am, but refused to comment on any of the newspaper's other allegations.